Factors affecting the clinical success of orthodontic anchorage: Experience with 266 temporary anchorage devices

Abstract

Background/purpose: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the factors affecting the clinical success of orthodontic anchorage by using temporary anchorage devices (TADs). Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty nine consecutive patients (54 males, 75 females; mean age, 20.2 years old) with a total of 266 TADs of three different types were examined. The variables related to TAD success were assessed through five categories: implant-related (type 1, type 2, and type 3 with different diameters and lengths), patient-related (sex, age, and type of malocclusion), location-related (jaw, site, side, bone quality, and the type of soft tissue), orthodontic-related (the timing of force application), and implant-maintenance factors (local inflammation around a TAD: mild, moderate, and severe). Results: The overall success rates were 97%. The clinical variables of all implant-related factors (diameter and length), all patient-related factors (sex, age, and type of malocclusion), and one of location-related factors (side) did not show any statistically significant difference in success rates. The clinical variables of most location-related factors [jaw (mandible), site (lingual), bone quality (Q4), and the type of soft tissue around TADs (mucosa)], orthodontic-related factors [timing of force application equal to 2 weeks)], and implant-maintenance factors [local inflammation (mild–moderate and moderate–severe)] showed less success with statistically significant differences. Conclusion: In order to improve the success rates, local inflammation should be monitored and controlled, force application should be 4 weeks after insertion, and the location for placement of TADs should be good quality bone with keratinized mucosa.

Keywords

• orthodontic anchorage
• success rate
• temporary anchorage device (TADs)